Parks Recovering From Katrina

A number of national parks and historic sites are recovering from the effects of Hurricane Katrina. Perhaps the worse off are Jean Lafitte National Historic Park and New Orleans Jazz National Historic Park, which are located in New Orleans. National Park Service officials have little to report on these two units, as staff have not been able to return to them since Katrina struck. About 200 miles of the Natchez Trace Parkway has been closed due to downed trees and power lines, although officials thought they might be able to open the highway today (Sept. 1). However, there's no Internet communications with the parkway, and outgoing long-distance service is out. At Gulf Islands National Seashore, crews are still trying to size up the damage. Most of the buildings in the seashore's Mississippi District suffered extensive damage, and downed trees have been creating problems along the seashore's roads. Finally, work continues at Everglades and Dry Tortugas national parks, where crews are clearing debris and working to restore plumbing and electricity to parts of the parks.